Hitoshi Tamuradropped by Yokohama Stadium yesterday in order give coaches an update on his progress (left pinky laceration). He also thanked teammates for hoisting his uniform during their Inter-league championship celebration.

Tamura suffered a lacerated finger during a game on the 8th and had surgery to stitch it up on the same day. He was taken off the active roster on the 9th and has been relaxing at his home in Yokohama.

Sho Nakata had a big game yesterday against the Hiroshima Carp (Mazda Stadium), going 4-for-5 with a double, two homers (in consecutive at bats), and 5 RBI (new career high). And he was able to do all of that in front of his mother, brother, and some relatives (he's from Hiroshima).

Around 100 fans watchedYuki Saito working out yesterday at Kamagaya. His workouts included infield drills and fielding practice. Saito later told reporters he felt his thighs got bigger during his rehab stint at Ni-gun. Saito is scheduled to toss a bullpen session today in preparation for his start against Ni-gun Yomiuri on the 21st.

Orix Buffaloes

Seung-Yeop Lee had his best game in an Orix uniform yesterday: 4-for-4 with a double, a homer, and 2 RBI.

Rakuten Eagles

Shoji Ohiro was taken off the active roster yesterday after he was hit by a thrown ball during practice on the 17th and suffered a fracture in his right cheek bone. Akihisa Makida was called up in Ohiro's place. Makida is coming back from a right elbow injury and still isn't quite at 100%.